Rim rolling mill



J. S. MILLER RIM ROLLING MILL July 31, 1962 Filed Feb. 1, 1956 10Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR JOHN 8. MI Ll. ER

July 31, 1962 .1. s. MILLER RIM ROLLING MILL l0 Sheets-Sheet 2 FiledFeb. 1, 1956 INVENTOR Jot-IN S. MILLER ATTORNEY y 1962 J. 5. MILLER3,046,819

RIM ROLLING MILL Filed Feb. 1, 1956 7 l0 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR HN SMum A'ITORN July 31, 1962 J. 5. MILLER RIM ROLLING MILL l0 Sheets-Sheet4 Filed Feb. 1, 1956 INVENTOR .JOHN S. Minsk BY W ATTORNEY mm t July 31,1962 J. 5. MILLER RIM ROLLING MILL l0 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Feb. 1, 1956INVENTOR (lo/m S. MILLER y 1962 J. s. MILLER 3,046,819

RIM ROLLING MILL Filed Feb. 1, 1956 v 10 Sheets-Sheet 6 FIG. 7

INVENTOR domv S. MILLER BY Fwy W ATTORNEY July 31, 1962 J. s. MILLER RIMROLLING MILL l0 Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed Feb.

1N VENTOR Jot/M mai ON Q July 31, 1962 J. s. MILLER 3,046,819

RIM ROLLING MILL Filed Feb. 1, 1956 10 Sheets-Sheet 8 Illlllll Jouu S.MILLR BY W ATTORNEY l0 Sheets-Sheet 9 Filed Feb. 1, 1956 fie. 12

FIG. 13

INVENTOR Jon/v SI MLLER BY W ATTORNEY y 1962 J. 5. MILLER 3,046,819

RIM ROLLING MILL Filed Feb. 1, 1956 10 Sheets-Sheet 10 FIG. 14

INVENTOR JOHN S: MLlE/Z BY ATTORNEY 3,046,819 FEM RGLLWG mil John S.Miller, Youngstown, Ohio, assignor to The Mc- Kay Machine Company,Youngstown, Ohio, 2. corporation of Ghio Filed Feb. 1, 1955, Ser. No.562,688 6 Claims. (Cl. 80-5) The present invention relates to coldforming mills in general where annular or ring-like workpieces arereduced or formed to a particular shape and more particularly to a newand novel rim rolling mill where various shaped rims are formed onannular workpieces between cylindrical dies mounted on internally andexternallyacting mandrels. As an example, tubeless tire rims forautomotive vehicles and the like may be formed in this manner.

In vertical cold forming mills of this type, it is necessary to providemeans for loading the annular work-pieces into position between the diesin preparation for further working, and in the prior art, this has beenaccomplished by sliding the workpieces over an end of an internal rollshaft (hereafter called the outboard en into die engaging position. Ingeneral, it has been necessary to move the rings transversely to thedirection of rolling or forming for loading and unloading, and this hasseriously limited the speed of operations and the realization ofinherent efficiencies which are associated with such machines. This isparticularly true, as in rim rolling, where it is compulsory to subjectthe rings to a series of progressive dies to obtain the desired finalproduct as the prior art mechanisms are not adapted for use incontinuous process lines because of the limitation encountered inloading the workpieces over the outboard end of the internal roll shaft.

To facilitate the loading and unloading operations in many instances,the outboard end of the internal roll shaft has been left completelyunsupported and it is therefore necessary to restrict the heavy workingpressures employed to prevent excessive deflections and internalstresses in the cantilevered shaft upon full rolling pressure beingapplied. This objection has been somewhat alleviated by the use of aretractable bearing carrier to support the outboard end of the internalroll shaft during rolling, such as shown in US. Patent No. 1,661,024issued to C. C. Venable, but the problem of properly supporting theinternal roll shaft is still of paramount importance since the carriersare usually unable to impart the required rigidity to the roll shaft.Further, the movable bearing carrier complicates the loading andunloading of the workpieces as it must be moved into and out of positionbefore and after each rolling.

It is therefore the primary object of the invention to provide animproved rim rolling mill embodying improved means to journal therotatable internal die whereby several of these machines may be moreadvantageously used to form a continuous process line and can be operated in a fast and expedient manner to obtain substantially higherrates of production. This type of operation is desirable where theworkpieces must be subjected to a series of progressive dies or rollingoperations as in the making of tubeless tire rims for automotivevehicles, for example.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide cold roll formingapparatus of new and novel design wherein loading and unloadingoperations are easily completed. In carrying out this object, I provideapparatus whereby it is not necessary to move or transfer the rings orwor pieces transversely for loading and unloading operations but, infact, they are at all times substantially in line Efiihfii Patented July31, 1962 with the dies and/ or forming rolls thereby allowing high speedoperations.

A more specific object of the present invention is the provision of anew and novel supporting andretracting arrangement for the lower orinternal roll shaft so that suificient strength and rigidity is impartedthereto thus allowing optimum rolling or forming pressures to beapplied. As indicated previously, some means must be provided to allowthe loading and unloading of annular workpieces and yet impart therequired strength to the rolls shafts. This is accomplished in thepresent instance by retracting the entire lower roll shaft and dieassembly to one side of the pass line by means which insures diealignment including a stationary spring-loaded receptacle for theoutboard end of the roll shaft.

Yet another object of the present invention'is to provide means forretracting the upper roll shaft and circular die associated therewithfrom ring engaging and pressure applying position to facilitateinsertion and removal of the workpiece. In connection with the aboveobject, it is a further object of the invention to provide means foradjusting the final position of the upper roll shaft whereby thepressure desired for any given type of workpiece is readily obtained.

A still further object of the invention is the provision of new andnovel means for initially positioning the workpiece prior to themovement of the upper die into pressure engaging relation with theinternal die and workpiece, thereby insuring that the resulting rim willbe exactly at the place desired on the annular workpiece. Thispreparatory alignment is especially critical when progressive dies areused, as improper registry with any one pair of dies will usually resultin a completely unacceptable final product. The contemplated arrangementof the rim rolling mill utilizes both side and center guides which areactuated by the movement of the upper roll shaft and die thuseliminating the need of further expensive control and/ or synchronizingapparatus. Another auxiliary object of the invention is to provide guidemeans which are operative to move into and out of ring engaging positionat a higher rate of speed than the movement of the upper roll therebyeffecting proper alignment of the ring and allowing access for loadingand unloadingop- 'erations. 4.5

A further object of the invention is to provide conveying and feedingapparatus for use in combination with the rim rolling mill and formingan integral part thereof in which a substantially continuous andautomatic feeding of the rings is obtained thereby allowing higher ratesof production than have heretofore been found practical or obtainable.The loading and unloading of the workpieces has been the greatest singlelimiting factor in prohibiting the maximum utilization of rim rollingmills and the various problems encountered in providing a practicalfeeding device are substantiallyrnitigated in my apparatus'.

In connection with the above object it is yet another object of theinvention to provide feeding and conveying apparatus which allows anynumber of the vertical ring rolling and/ or forming mills to be used ina continuous process line where progressive operations are required. Mynew and novel apparatus, when used in conjunction with a rim rollingmill, is operative to feed the rings into position and then, afterforming operations, to free the annular workpiece from the dies andtransfer the same toa like device associated with another mill having adilferent set of dies for further Working. It is contemplated that themovement and operation of the feeding and conveying device will bedependent upon the position of the upper external roll shaft and theguiding means which further precludes the need of extra controlling i II f "3,043,819

. equipment. By providing feeding and conveying appa- V ratus for usewith my rim rolling mill, continuous process lines and higher rates ofproduction are completely practical and feasible.

At the outset, it is noted that the various and complicated problemssolved by my apparatus have often dictated complex and unwieldy machinesand mechanisms in the prior art. It is therefore a primary considerationof the invention to provide apparatus having the characteristicsoutlined above which is of the utmost simplicity in construction andoperation as 'willbe apparent to persons familiar with and skilled inthis particular art.

For a better understanding of my invention, as well as the disclosure ofother objects and advantages of the invention, reference should now behad to the following 7 detailed specification and accompanying drawingwherein is disclosed a preferred and illustrated embodiment of .the

invention.

In the drawing: FIGURE 1, composed of parts 1A and 1B, is a front 7 endelevation of the rim rolling mill constructed in accordance with theteachings of my invention;

FIGURE 2 is a side View of the rim rolling mill shown in FIGURE 1; VFIGURE 3, composed of parts 3A and 3B, is a partial end view taken alongthe section line III-III of FIG- URE 2; 7

FIGURE 4 is a side elevation as seen from the section line IVIV inFIGURE 1;

FIGURE 5 is-a side view of the center guide utilized for aligning theannular workpieces between the dies;

' FIGURE 6 is an end view of the apparatus depicted in FIGURE 5; FIGURE7 is a top plan either FIGURES 5 or 6;

FIGURES 8, 9 and 10, are side, end, and top views,

of the center guide shown in respectively, of the side guide used in myrolling mill;

FIGURE 11 is a side elevation of the conveying and feeding mechanismembodied in the present invention;

FIGURE 12 is a top plan of the feeding and conveying apparatus shown inFIGURE 11;

FIGURE 13 is an end View of the mechanism embodied in either FIGURES 11or 12; and

FIGURE 14 is a schematic side elevation showing a number of rim rollingmills 'as situated in a continuous process line where the workpiecesmust be subjected to a series of progressive dies and/ or rollingoperations.

Referring now to the drawing, wherein like numerals designate likeparts, and initially to FIGURES 1-3 there-' of, the rim rolling mill 19is of the vertical type and rests on the base or foundation 11 of aplant, for example, and consists of a structural framework includingheavy upright housings 12 and 13 having a large opening 14 therebetweenand which are spanned by various and suitable structural beams 15 and 16to provide both vertical and lateral support to the apparatus. Journaledin the housings 12 and 13 are the roll shafts '18 and 20 having threadeddie retaining collars 1'7 and 19, respectively. It should be understoodthat the blanks for tire rims are usually fabricated prior to reachingthe rolling mill by joining the ends of metal strips havingpredetermined lengths and widths by some expedient means, such as flashwelding, thereby to form the desired sized rings. The rings are thenmoved one at a time between the dies (not shown) mounted on shafts 18and 20 for formation of the appropriate rim as will be hereinafter morefully explained."

The inner end of the shaft 18 is rotatably received in the housingassembly 21 consisting primarily of the generally cylindrical bearinghousing 22 which is an integral part of a crosshead framework 23, andtwo annular end plates 25 and 26 which are secured to the bearinghousing 22 by bolts 23. The roll shaft 18 decreases abruptly in diameterto form a series of shoulders that cooperate with the various circularbearings 27. The roll shaft 18 protrudes through the housing assembly 21thereby exposing an end which is adapted to be connected to suitabledriving means as will be further explained. I

The outboard end of the external roll shaft 18 is similarly supportedand is journaled by bearings 31 in a cylindrical housing 32. Because itis necessary to be able to remove the die from roll shaft 18, and yettie theoutboard end of this roll shaft securely to the cross-headframework 23, the outboard block 32 is rigidly attached to a support 33having a threaded aperture 34 therein that threadably receives rod 35and which is slidably mounted in the windowof housing 12. The rod 35 isjournaled in the lower end of depending brackets 36 which are in turnrigidlyfsecured to the cross-head framework 23, and has means, such asshoulder 37 and nut 38, to firmly lock the outboard -block 32 in anydesired position to support and hold the external roll shaft 18. When itbecomes necessary to remove or expose the die, the rod 35 is turned in adirection to retract the outboard block 32 outwardly toward the brackets36. At this point, it is pertinent to note that both the inner andoutboard ends of the roll shaft 18 are supported directly or indirectlyfrom the cross-head framework 23 for vertical movement as will laterbernore fullyexplained.

Considering now the suspension and support of the in order that anymovement of the housing assembly 39 corn- I mands a correspondingmovement on the part ofthe roll shaft 2d and the die mounted thereon. Anend portion of the roll shaft 20 extends through the housing assembly 39for connection to suitable driving means. The outboard end of this rollshaft terminates in a tapered cylindrical plug 46 adapted to be slidablyreceived in a cooperating recessed depression 47 inthe end of a shaft48. The shaft 48 is journaled in a housing assembly 49 by bearings 50 inthe same manner as the inner ends of the roll shafts 18 and 20. Rigidlyattached to the housing assembly 49 are a pair of transversely disposedand longitudinally spaced blocks 52 which carry a pin 53 therebetween.Keyed to the pin 53 is in an enlarged head 54 of a rod 55 which extendsparallel to the shaft 48 and is slidably received in a tubular support56 that is in turn suspended by angles and other means from the housingassembly 49 and the blocks 52. The outer end of the rod 55 extendsthrough the tubular support 56 and is threaded at 57 to receive thelimiting nut 58. A large heavy duty coil spring 59 encircles the rod 55and extends between the head 54 and the tubular member 56 as is readilyapparent in FIGURE 3 of the drawing. The blocks 52 are adapted to slideon the transversely extending L-shaped slides 60 which in turn areattached to the housing 12. It is thus apparent that the entire outboardend assembly, including the housing assembly 49, shaft 48 and blocks 52,are spring-loaded for movement toward and away from the pass line of theworkpieces subject, of course, to the restraining action imparted by thelimiting nut 58. When the roll shaft 20 is moved into position forrolling; as will hereinafter be explained, the tapered recesseddepression 47 is forced into pressure contact with the frustoconicalshaped plug of the roll shaft 20 by the pressure created uponcontraction of the spring 59. This manner of supporting the outboard endof the internal roll shaft is especially useful since the same ispositively and very rigidly supported from both ends as is readilyapparent.

To drive the upper and lower roll shafts 18 and 20, I contemplateproviding a large electrical motor 61 mounted on a suitable base 62situated to one side of the rim rolling spasms mill proper. The motor 61is adapted to turn a large worm gear 63 through suitable power transfermechanism, such as the sprocket 64 and the chain drive 65. The worm gear63, as well as another gearing mechanism to be recited, is contained ina gear casing 66 also positioned on and supported by the base 62. Thebody of the circular worm gear 63 is keyed to the hollow shaft 67 whichin turn is journaled for rotation in the gear casing 66 by the bearings68 on both ends thereof, the arrangement being such that upon actuationof the motor 61 the shaft 67 is caused to rotate. Also keyed to theshaft 67 is a gear 70 that meshes with another gear 71 to drive a shaft72 which is also journaled for rotation by hearing 73 in the gear casing66. Attached to the protruding end of the shaft 72 by means of aconnector 74 is a large double universal coupling 75 that is adjustablein the transverse direction by means of the sliding interconnectionbetween the parts 76 and 77 thereof. The far end of the universalcoupling 75 is directly attached to the end of the upper roll shaft 18by means of a suitable connector, such as the one shown at 78.

Referring again to the shaft 67, it is adapted to slidably receive anelongated shaft 79 and impart rotary motion thereto as this shaft hasways 80 extending substantially the length thereof which engage a splinecoupling 81 attached to the end of the shaft 67 with the length of theways 80 determining the distance the shaft 79 may be retracted. Theouter end of the shaft 79 is directly connected to the end of theinternally-acting roll shaft by a coupling 82 so that rotary motion isimparted thereto. It is therefore seen that upon actuation of the motor61, the roll shafts 18 and 20 and the dies associated therewith will becaused to rotate, thus reducing or forming an annular workpiece.

As discussed previously, some means must be provided for retracting thelower roll shaft 20 to one side of the pass line of the rings. In thepresent instance, this is accomplished by a new and novel crank andlever connection secured to the lower housing assembly 39 on one end,and a means for imparting rotary motion through a predetermined angulardisplacement on the other. Rigidly attached to and depending from thehousing assembly 39 are longitudinally spaced and transversely extendingblocks 83 having outwardly angled end portions fitted withabrasion-resistant wear-plates 84 as shown in FIGURE 4 of the drawing.The blocks 83 carry a pin 85 which in turn supports a link 86 forpivotal movement of the same. The Wear plates 84 slide on thetransversely extending guides 87 which, as is apparent, are long enoughto accommodate any movement of the ink 86 in retracting the inner rollshaft and are rigidly supported by the housing 13. The link '86 has anintegral projecting threaded end portion 89 which is coupled through theconnection 90 to a like link 91 which is pivoted to a crank arm 92 by apin 93. Crank arm 92 is keyed to a drive shaft 94 of a conventionalhydromotor 95. The arrangement is such that a toggle link is formedhaving a first rigid lever consisting of the link 86, coupling 90 andthe link 91 pivotally connected to the blocks 83 and a second lever(crank 92) terminating at the hydromotor 95. When the hydromotor isenergized to rotate the crank 92 downwardl the link 86, and as aconsequence, the housing assembly 39 carrying the lower roll shaft 20 isretracted a predetermined distance, depending upon the angularpositioning of the crank arm 92. At the same time, it is also necessaryto make some correction in the length of the driving connection to theinner roll shaft 20, and this is accomplished by the shaft 79' beingretracted into the shaft 67 to a position shown by the broken linesindicating the extreme retracted position of the shaft 79 and thecoupling 82. It is preferred that when the roll shaft 20' is in properposition for rolling, the toggle link connecting the housing assemblyand the hydromotor will be in dead center position, thus being able tobetter resist any movement of the roll in the transverse directionduring rolling operations.

It is desirable to be able to change the rolling position of theinternal roll shaft 20 and yet keep the toggle link at a dead centerposition for variations in different types of rolling operations. Thiscan be accomplished by adjusting the coupling 90 to either separate orbring together the links 86 and 91 but this is a difiicult and timeconsuming procedure as the links and coupling are of very large size andthe adjustment must be one of fairly high precision. Accordingly, I haveprovided a novel means of setting the inward travel of the roll shaft 20by mounting the hydromotor 95 slidably in a cage assembly 96 which issupported from the base 62 (see FIGURE 1). Rigidly secured to thehydromotor 95 and extending toward the rim rolling mill 10 is a threadedrod 97 which fits through an aperture in a limiting plate 98 and isadapted to receive nuts 99 and 100 so that upon proper manipulation ofthese nuts the hydromotor 95 will be caused to slide either toward oraway from the rim rolling mill and thus adjust the position of theinternal roll shaft 20 when the toggle is in extended position. Thismeans of adjusting is characterized by its simplicity and ease ofoperation, thereby allowing great flexibility in the operation of thevertical cold forming mill.

In retrospect, it is seen that I have provided for the mounting of theexternally and internally-acting roll shafts 18 and 20, respectively,with the lower roll shaft being suspended on the outboard end by a novelspring- ,loaded bearing carrier While this roll shaft itself may beretracted for loading and unloading operation to one side of the path ofrolling by means of a toggle link and variable drive connection. Thissystem is especially adapted for rolling operation where heavy workpressures are required because the inner roll is inherently stable whenin the rolling position, being positively supported on both ends and thelinkage mechanism coming to a dead center position.

For loading and unloading of the workpieces prior to rolling and/orforming operations, it is necessary to further open the machine and thisis accomplished in the present instance by providing means forvertically retracting the upper or outer roll shaft 18 and dieassociated therewith from pressure applying position. The outboard andinner housing assemblies 32 and 21, respectively, are directly orindirectly attached to the cross-head framework 23. This framework 23 isvertically movable on the housings 12-13. Attached by means of bolts 101to the cross-head framework 23 are a pair of hollow supports 102 thatslidably receive a pair of members 103 which are threadably apertured toengage depending screw shafts 104, each of which has a portion extendingthrough an opening in the supports 102 and is journaled therein by abushing 105. Rigidly attached to the lower ends of the shafts 104 are apair of sprockets 10.6, with the sprocket on the shaft on the right asviewed in FIG- URE 3 being double, to accommodate the chain or beltdrives 107. To drive the sprockets 106, a motor 108, secured to one sideof the cross-head framework 23 by a brace 109, may be energized torotate the sprocket thus causing the sprockets 106 to be rotated throughthe belt drives 107. The arrangement is suchthat the members 103 areslidably moved up or down inside the hollow supports 102 by properrotation of the threaded shafts 104 to determine the final down positionof the upper roll shaft 18 as will be apparent upon furtherconsideration of the specification.

Each of the members 103 is pivoted on the upper end thereof by a pin 111to a link 112 as shown in FIGURE 2. of the drawing. The link 1112 ispivoted at its opposite end by a pin 113 to a crank 114 forming anintegral part of shaft 115 which is journaled in and extends between theupper portions of the housings 12 and 13. Also keyed to the shaft 115intermediate the cranks 114 is a large crank arm 116 that is pivotallyconnected by a pin upper roll shaft 18 or the cross-head framework 23.this manner, the front and side guides 123 and 124, re

117 and a fitting 118 to the piston rod 119 of a large fluid cylinder120'. The fluid cylinder 129 is supported between the housings 12 and13' by vertical members 121 welded to a plate 122 extending between saidhousings.

When it is desired to vertically retract the. upper roll shaft 18, thefluid cylinder 120 is actuated to pull the crank arm 116 to the right,thus causing the shaft 115 to rotate and forcing the various linkagesfrom their dead center position to raise the cross-head framework 23,the roll shaft 18, and the appurtenant equipment carried thereby.Attention is drawn to the fact that when the roll shaft is in positionready for rolling or forming operations, the various linkages connectingthe members 103 and the shaft 115 are in a dead center position in orderthat all the axial thrust encountered during rolling is taken bythreaded portions of the shafts 104 engaging the members 103, while anyand all side thrust is transmitted to the bearing housing assemblies 21and32. It is therefore advantageous to keep the linkages insubstantially dead center position when the roll is ready for rollingand yet be able to adjust the distance between the upperand lower rollshafts 18 and 20, respectively, to accommodate annular workpieces ofdifferent thickness, and this is accomplished by rotating the threadedshafts 104 in the proper direction as heretofore explained. Further, thedouble universal connection 75 in the drive connection for the upperroll shaft 18 permits freedom of vertical movement thereof withoutbreaking the drive connection.

In a rim rolling mill of this type, it is also necessary to provideguides which are operative to insure proper positioning of the annularworkpiece prior to the downward movement of the upper roll shaft 18 intopressure engaging relation to obtain a satisfactory final product, andin my mill, I provide both center and side guides designated by thenumerals 123 and 124, respectively, with the side guide operative toengage the edges of the workpiece and the center guide operative toalign the ring properly with respect to the path of rolling. Theconstruction of the carriers and actuating means for both the center andside guides is primarily the same, and for the sake of brevity, only oneof these will be described. Referring now to FIGURES through 10, both ofthe guides 123 and 124 are shown as being movable in vertical directionin tracks 125 that are secured to the housings 12 and 13 of the rimrolling mill by angles 126 and a plurality of aligned bolts 127. Ridingin the tracks 125 are vertically orientated and transversely' spacedrunners 128 that carry the side guide assembly 124 in a manner to befurther described. Bolted to the inner face of each of the runners 128'by the bolts 129 in a rack 130, adapted to cooperate with a pinion gear131 in moving the guide in the vertical direction. The pinions 131 arecarried on both'ends of a shaft 132 which is journaled in brackets 133rigidly attached to the cross-head framework 23 by welding or otherexpedient means. Diametrically opposed to the racks 130' are another setof racks 134 secured by' means, such as the bolts 135, to the mainhousings 12 and 13. The utility between the rollers 136'may be adjustedas necessary. Welded to the cross-arm 139 intermediate the ends thereof, are a' pair of spaced brackets 141 having central apertures and aplurality of radially disposed and circumferentially spaced aperturestherein, the arrangement being such that a bar 1452 is pivotallyreceived between the brackets 141 by a pin 143 and the angle of tilt ofthe rollers 136 from the plane of the bar 142 is controlled by means,such as pins, inserted between coincident pairs of the circumferentiallyspaced apertures as .is readily apparent. of its length to threadablyreceive a rod 144 therein having an enlarged head portion 145 whichextends through the top cover of a rectangular housing 146 surroundingthe bar 142 so that the relative vertical inward and outward position ofthe rollers 136 is easily adjustable. Part of the inner side of therectangular housing 146 is formed by an angled foot portion 147 of atransverse plate 148 which is centrally located and extends primarilyacross the opening between the runners 128. Rigidly attached to theplate 148 intermediate the ends thereof is a rectangular piece 149 whichis bored to threadably receive a large belt 155! having its head restingon the support 69 which in turn is' attached to a cross-piece 151. Thecross-piece 151 is joined on both ends to the runners 128, as shown inFIGURE 10 of the drawing, in order that any motion thereof is directlyimparted to the side guide 124. In the contemplated construction, theside guide 124 will be adjustable laterally by sliding the same along ofthis arrangement is quite apparent when it is remembered that thebrackets 133 are movable in the vertical direction with the movement'ofthe roll shaft 18 while the racks 134 are stationary, and thus therunners 128 and anything supported therefrom will move at twice thespeed, but in the same direction as the movement of the In spectively,are adapted to move into ring engaging position before the upper roll,thereby insuring proper workpiece alignment with the dies mounted on theroll shafts 18 and 20.

The side guide 124 consists of a pair of transversely spaced conicalrollers 136 'journaled by bearings 13-7 on theend of shafts 138 whichare bolted to atransverse cross-arm'139; The cross-arm 139 has a pairofelongated apertures 140 therein, in order that the distance the footportion 147 of the plate 148, and to hold the side guide in any givenposition, I'have provided a bracket 152 attached to either side of thefoot portion 147 of the plate 148 having an aperture therein to hold arod 153 having one end directly connected to the rectangular housing 146in the desired position by means of limiting nuts 154, for example. Itis seen that the guide 124 is thus adjustable in a'plurality ofdirections to meet the requirements of different size and shapedworkpieces that may be used in a cold roll forming mill of this type.

Referring now to FIGURES 6 and 7 of the drawing wherein is shown theconstruction of the center guide 123, the arrangement for carrying thecenter guide is almost exactly the same as that utilized with the sideguide. The only exceptions are that, instead of the rollers 136 andother appurtenant equipment associated Of course, the side guide 124 iscarried on one side of.

the rolling mill 10 while the center guide :123. is carried on the otherside so that the workpieces are supported and guided on both sides ofthe roll shafts 18 and 20 during forming operations.

In the previous discussion, particular attention has been drawn to thefact that the cold roll forming mechanisms have heretofore not beenadapted for use in continuous process lines at high speeds of operation,due to the trouble encountered in loading and unloading workpieces andto the lack of suitable transferring equipment and apparatus. In theillustrated embodiment of the invention, as shown'in FIGURES 11, 12, 13and 14 in particular, there is shown a new and novel feeder and conveyor166 consisting of a large floating plate 161 disposed below the lowerroll shaft 20 and between the housings 12 and 13. Extending verticallyupward from the plate 161 near the corners thereof are four uprightcenter guides when the upper roll shaft 18 is raised or' lowered. Inorder to control the relative height of the base plate 161, a sprocketis attached to each upnght 162 near the base plate, and these sprocketsare The bar 142 is tapped throughout most connected by a chain 166 andsprockets 167, or other suitable means, so that upon rotation of oneupright rod, a

corresponding movement takes place in the others. This is accomplishedby providing a driven speed reducer 166 bolted to the plate 161 andhaving its driving parts keyed to one of the upright rods 162.

Positioned near the back of the plate 161 is a basket 168 constructedfrom suitable plates and structural member which is large enough toaccommodate the largest sized annular workpiece to be rolled or formed.The basket is mounted from the bottom face thereof on a tubular rod 169which in turn is journaled on a center rod 170 rigidly supported fromboth side by side housings 171 welded to the base plate 161. Dependingfrom the tubular rod 169 are two pairs of spaced brackets 172 that serveto pivotally connect the piston rods 173, by means of the pins 174, tothe basket 168. The piston rods 173 protrude from a pair of spaced aircylinders 195 that are pivotally mounted to the base plate 161, thearrangement being such that when a workpiece is loaded into the basket168, the air cylinders 195 may be actuated to tip the basket andtransfer the workpiece to the kicker mechanism now to be described.

Positioned forwardly of the basket 168 is a shaft 175 that is journaledby bearings 176 on both ends thereof in slides 177 which move in windowsformed in the housiugs 171, and shaft 175 carries a pinion gear 178intermediate its ends. A rack 17 9 is provided on the base plate 161 tocooperate with the pinion gear 178 when the same is moved as the slides17? move in the housings 171. To move the shaft forward and to the rear,the slides 177 are bolted to bars 196 (FIGURE 12.) and these are spannedby a transversely extending plate 180 which is apertured to receive thepiston rod 181 of a large air cylinder 182. Welded or otherwise rigidlyattached to the shaft 175 inwardly of the side housings 171 are a pairof rearwardly and upwardly angled roller supporting plates 183 having adownwardly angled end portion adapted to support a roller 184 somewherealong the edge thereof, the roller being adapted for rotary motion aboutits own axis as is readily apparent. The roller supporting plates extendforwardly beyond the central shaft 175 and are formed to have hook-likeportions which are joined by a transverse bar 185 to form an overtakingdevice, the use of which will become fully apparent upon furtherconsideration of the specification. Journaled at 137 around the shaft175 intermediate the slides 177 and the roller supporting plates 183 area pair of upwardly angled and forwardly projecting roller supportingplates 139, having a flat end portion adapted to support a roller 196along the edge thereof. Also attached to the roller supporting plates189 on the inner faces thereof are small stop plates 191 which cooperatewith the bar 185 in the operation of the kicker mechanism. It is notedthat the assembled apparatus of the kicker provides a trough-likereceptacle for the annular workpieces.

In operation, the annular workpiece is first rolled into the basket 168after which the same is tilted by cylinder 195 to deposit the workpieceonto the cradle rolls 184, 191 as shown by the broken lines of FIGURE11. The assembly on the base 161 is then raised to properly position theworkpiece in rolling position and after completion of the working thesame is again lowered to the position shown in FIGURE 11. If now thecylinder 182 is energized the slides 177 and consequently the shaft 175moves forwardly (or to the left as viewed in FIGURE 1 l) and the shaftrotates by reason of the interconnection between gear 178 and rack 179to move arms 183 and consequently roll 184 upwardly and forwardly. Atthe same time, the arms 189 move downwardly onto stops 192 to lower theroll 190 as indicated. Since the bar 185 merely abuts the stop plates191 the assembly of the arms 183 and roll 134 can override the assemblycomprised of the arms 189 and the roll 1% so that roll 184 can move farto the left, as viewed in FIGURE 11, to move the work- In the operationof the cold roll forming machine disclosed herein it is assumed thatinitially an annular workpiece has been positioned in the basket 168. Inpreparation for the rolling and/ or forming operations, the upper rollshaft 18 and the die associated therewith are retracted along with thecenter and side guides 123 and 124, respectively, in a verticaldirection, thereby causing the conveying and feeding mechanism 169 to bemoved vertically also. Prior to this operation, the lower or internalworking roll shaft 26 and die mounted thereon have been retracted so asnot to impede or interfere with the workpiece and feeding and conveyingassembly 160 when they are raised. It is thus apparent that the entirespace usually occupied by the upper and lower working roll, plus theappurtenant equipment associated therewith, has been moved substantiallyout of the way to permit loading of the workpiece.

With the machine thus prepared, the basket 168 is tilted by the aircylinder 195 to roll the ring into the trough defined by the rollers 184and 190 and it is contemplated that at this position, the workpiece willhave its center axis substantially aligned with the axis of the lowerroll shaft 21} which is then in the retracted position. The lower rollis then moved into rolling position by the actuation of the hydromotorto force the toggle linkage into dead-center position. With the linkagein the deadcenter position, the outboard end of the internal roll shaft21; is positively supported by the spring loaded outboard bearingcarrier assembly 49 in the manner heretofore described. After thisoperation is completed, the large hydraulic cylinder 12% is actuated tomove the crosshead frame 23 toward the line of strip travel which inturn causes the lowering of the feeding and conveying mechanism so thatthe annular workpiece is supported by,

and resting on, the internal roll shaft 18. At the same time, the centerand side guides 123 and 124 are also. being lowered, but these reachworkpiece engaging position sometime before the pressure roll because ofthe double rack and pinion arrangement which moves the guides at twicethe speed of the cross-head framework 23. It is noted that the feedingand conveying mechanism also moves into and out of position at doublethe speed of the upper roll because it is carried by the center and sideguides. By the time the guides are operative to properly position theworkpiece the feeder and conveyor have moved out of the way so as not tointerfere-when the side guides engage the side edges of the workpieceand the center guide rests against the center of the ring on theopposite sides of the rolls. With the workpiece thus properly positionedthe upper roll shaft 18 continues to move downwardly until finally it isin pressure applying position so that when the motor 61 is energized,the roller dies on shafts 18 and 20 operate to properly form theworkpiece.

After the rolling and/or forming operation has been completed, it isnecessary to free the ring from between the rolls and dies and to moveor transfer the same out of the mill. The cylinder 12% is again actuatedto withdraw the roll shaftjl and the center and side guides, because ofthe double rack and pinion, are retracted at twice the speed of saidroll to be out of interfering relation with the workpiece. At the sametime, the platform 161 carrying the feeding and conveying mechanism 160is moved upwardly to free the workpiece from the lower die and positionthe same so its axis is substantially aligned with the axis of the lowerroll. Then the lower roll is retracted to the right (looking at FIGURE2) by the linkage mechanism and the hydromotor 95 so that the workingarea of the mill is again completely open and there is nothing to impedethe longitudinal 1 Conveying apparatus.

movement of the workpiece. The next operation is the utilization of thekicker with the overtaking device to push the formed ring from the millas has been previously explained.

A rim rolling mill of the type disclosed herein is readily adaptable foruse in a continuous process line where progressive forming of theworkpiece is desirable, such as in the making of tire rims forautomotive vehicles and the like, and in FIGURE 14 I show a schematicarrangement for a continuous process line using a number of the rimrolling machines each having a separate set of dies. The process line ismade up of the machines 10", and 10", all being constructed inaccordance with the teachings of the present invention, with thedirection of workpiece travel being designated by the arrows. A ring isloaded into the basket of the machine 10 by means, not specificallyshown, but it should be understood that any conventional feeding devicemay be utilized, and the first rim forming operations is performed inthe manner indicated in the above description. After the first rollingoperation, the kicker is operative to move the ring to the basket of thesecond rim rolling mill 1!)" which performs another rolling operationand moves the same to the basket of the mill 10" for the final forming.The mill 1 then discharges the ring having the desired rim thereon toany conventional conveying device, not specifically shown, which maycarry the same to other stations for further working and inspection. Inthe operation of such a process line it is contemplated that the millswill be synchronized to obtain the highest rates of production byadjusting the various components of the mills so that when one workpieceis being rolled in a mill, another workpiece will be loaded in thebasket of the mill in order that-there will be no break in thecontinuous operation thereof. .In other words, while one machine isrolling and has the feeding and conveying device in the down position,the next preceeding machine will have completed rolling and with thekicker associated therewith in the up position, will kick the nextworkpiece into the basket of the lowered feeding and In FIGURE 14 thereare shown three machines used to form a continuous process line but anynumber may be connected in a like manner to obtain the desired degree ofrolling and/or forming of a particular type workpiece.

It should thus be apparent that I have accomplished the objectsinitially set forth by providing improved cold roll forming apparatusthat allows substantially higher rates of production than haveheretofore been known in the prior art and the utilization of a numberof the machines to form a continuous process line.

An important aspect of the present invention is the novel support of theoutboard end of the internal roll and the means for retracting said rollfrom the pass line of the workpieces. A spring-biased outboard bearingcarrier is, provided so that the lower roll is positively supported fromboth ends thereof thereby imparting to it the necessary'strength andrigidity to prevent deflection and internal stresses in the roll. Thehydromotor and dead center linkage is operative to completely retrackthe internal roll to one side of the pass line of the workpieces-in aminimum of time without breaking the drive connection to the roll. 7

Yet another aspect of the invention is the provision of a greatlyimproved arrangement for mounting and moving the pressure applyingexternal roll. The utilization of the dead center crank means that allaxial thrust is taken by the threaded shafts while all side thrust isdissipated in the bearing housing holding the upper roll. The upper rollmay be retracted to the desired position without breaking the driveconnection in a fast and expedient manner.

Further, by the use of a double rack and pinion arrangement, the centerand side guides move at twice the speed of the upper roll into or out ofring engaging 4 position to properly position the workpiece. This isparticularly important Where progressive dies are used as misalignmentwith any one set of dies will usually result in a completelyunacceptable final product.

Another important aspect of the invention is the provision of new andnovel feeding and conveying mechanism adapted to feed and convey theworkpieces which allows the realization of the maximum inherentefliciencies of the cold roll forming machines. The mechanism itselfcomprises a novel basket and kicker arrangement mounted on a platformsupported from the side and center guides which moves at twice the speedof the upper working roll. This mechanism, in addition to feeding andtransferring, is operative to load and free the workpieces prior to andafter rolling operations.

An important consideration of the present invention is that allcomponent parts thereof are readily adjustable thus providing aversatile machine adapted to be used on different size and shapedworkpieces. The upper roll is adjustable from the lower roll by means ofthreaded shafts while the transverse travel of the lower roll is adaptedto be controlled and manipulated by the proper positioning of thehydromotor. These adjustments are made without effecting the dead centerlinkages which give inherent strength to the mechanism. In addition, theside and center guides are movable and adjustable in a multiplicity ofdirections to accommodate diiferent workpieces. Also, the relativeheight ofthe platform carrying the feeding and conveying device as wellas the spacing between the rollers of the kicker mechanism may bereadily changed.

It is apparent that many modifications and changes may be made in form,arrangement, and number of elements disclosed in the foregoingdescription and accompanying drawing without departing from the spiritor teachings of the invention. Accordingly, I desire only suchlimitations to be imposed upon the following appended claims as arenecessitated by the prior art.

I claim:

1. In a continuous processing line including plurality of roll formingmachines having progressive dies for forming annular workpieces and saiddies being aligned to form a path of travel for said workpieces, each ofsaid machines having a vertically retractable first roll-carryingspindle, a horizontal retractable second roll-carrying spindle, means toretract said spindles,-and feeding and conveyingmeans positioned belowsaid spindles; the improvement in said feeding and conveying meanscomprising means to position a workpiece between said spindles, and saidfeeding and conveying means further comprising ejecting means fortransferring a partially formed workpiece to the feeding and conveyingmeans associated with another one of said machines whereby saidworkpieces move in progression along said path of travel through saidmachines.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising means to verticallymove said feeding and conveying means, and said means to vertically movecomprising means interconnecting said feeding and conveying means withthe vertical retractable first roll-carrying spindle associatedtherewith whereby said feeding and conveying means and said firstspindle are moved vertically simultaneously.

3. in a roll forming machine for forming annular workpieces and thelike, a first roll-carrying spindle, means to vertically move said firstspindle, a second roll-carrying spindle, means to horizontally move saidsecond spindle, drive means for rotating said spindles about their ownaxes, workpiece feeding and conveying means positioned below saidspindles, means to vertically move said feeding and conveying means toload and unload workpieces from between said spindles, said means tovertically move said feeding and conveying means comprising meansinmeans to vertically move said first spindle, guiding means 13 forguiding and positioning workpieces with respect to said spindles, meansto vertically move said guiding means, said means to vertically movesaid guiding means comprising means interconnecting said guiding meansand said means to vertically move said first spindle, and thearrangement being such that said spindle, feeding and conveying meansand guiding means are moved vertically simultaneously.

4. Workpiece guiding means for use in a roll-forming machine of the typeadapted to form annular workpieces and the like, and comprising ahousing and a pair of rollcarryin-g spindles, one of which is carried ona vertically movable framework, comprising a guide roll positioned toone side of said one spindle, a pinion gear mounted fromsaid framework,a stationary vertical rack mounted on said housing and meshing with saidpinion gear, a second rack meshing with said pinion gear, means mountingsaid guide roll from said second rack, and the arrangement being suchthat said guide roll is caused to move at twice the speed of saidframework and said one spindle upon vertical movement thereof.

5. Apparatus according to claim 4fu1ther characterized in that saidmeans mounting said guide roll comprises a plate mounted from saidsecond rack, a housing mounted for sliding movement on said plate, a rodreceived in said housing, means to adjust the position of said rod withrespect to said housing, and said rod mounting said guide roll.

6. A multiple stand rim rolling plant comprising a plurality of rimrolling machines each having (1) a horizontally disposed upper roll anda horizontally retractable lower roll to thereby permit vfeeding of aworkpiece in a vertically upward direction,

(2) a pair of cradle supports normally positioned below said rolls andgenerally parallel therewith,

(3) means to raise and lower said pair of cradle supports whereby aworkpiece supported thereon may be fed into and unloaded from themachine,

(4) means to tilt said pair of cradle supports bodily about an axisgenerally parallel with said rolls whereby the workpiece may be rolledoff said cradle supp (5) a basket positioned on the entry side of saidcradle supports to receive and support in upstanding relation theworkpiece in a position generally parallel with the rolling position ofthe workpiece,

(6) means to tilt said basket about an axis spaced outwardly of butgenerally parallel to the axis of tilt of said pair of cradle supportswhereby a workpiece so supported in said basket may roll onto said pairof cradle supports;

said machines being arranged in closely spaced position and so alignedthat the workpiece discharged from any particular machine except thelast in the line by said tilting of the cradle supports of saidparticular machine is automatically deposited in the basket of the nextsucceeding machine in the line.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS887,109 Meyer May 12, 1908 1,179,919 Heggie Apr. 18, 1916 1,863,199Fowler June 14, 1932 2,009,127 Adams July 23, 1935 2,029,751 Adams Feb.4, 1936 2,102,355 Cummins Dec. 14, 1937 2,154,004 Le Jeune Apr. 11, 19392,181,020 Le Jeune Nov. 21, 1939 2,325,121 Freeman July 27, 19432,365,831 Mogiljanskij Dec. 26, 1944 2,372,825 Grad Apr. 3, 19452,514,933 Byerlein July 11, 1950 2,571,947 Russell Oct, 16, 19512,757,704 Maddock Aug. 7, 1956 2,804,962 Sherman Sept. 3, 1957 2,816,467Thoren Dec. 17, 1957

